Compass No 421 - June 2016

From the Principal

The way at Pacific

In a community there is a way of doing things that guides us in our actions and thinking. It is where we see the deeply held values at play. For us as a Lutheran school, the values of love, hope, compassion, courage, justice, quality, appreciation, forgiveness, service and humility informs all that we do. Through being in community together, we grow these values within ourselves and within each other. There is an expectation that everyone strives for quality, respectful relationships, cares for others and the enhancement of the dignity of all. When we step outside of these values we find ourselves in conflict. As we live within them, people flourish as they are engaged and energised.

These values have a timeless quality as we see them lived out in the words and actions of Jesus. The ‘Christ the Way’ part of the College mission statement is a call for us to live out these values, which He has taught us. We are encouraged to live a hope-filled, purposeful life strengthened by His grace that grows abundance in the people around us.

Principal's Log

It was a delight to be able to relax in beautiful surrounds, amid good company as we enjoyed the food prepared and served by the Year 12 Hospitality students at The Boat Shed restaurant earlier this week. The evening provided a unique opportunity for the students to showcase their skills and learn as they worked alongside professional hospitality staff. We congratulate the students on a wonderful evening and thank parents and staff for their support. We particularly thank Mrs Colleen Beattie and Mrs Rhana Holt for their leadership of the students and for the organisation of such a powerful learning experience.

This weekend, the College together with the St Mark’s congregation will be hosting the Lutheran Church of Australia, Queensland District Synod. Representatives from all congregations and agencies of the Church, including schools, come together to give reports of actions over the past 12 months and to make decisions for the future. Our students and staff will be involved in providing music and the Year 2 students will present the Bible reading on Sunday. We thank Mr Mike Healy and Mrs Sue Zweck who have led the College’s part of the preparations for Synod, our music staff, the teachers and students who have been busy rehearsing and the hospitality students who have volunteered to assist with food service on Friday night.

Last week, we were informed that we have been allocated funding from the State government to install flashing speed limit lights outside the College. This is an important initiative that will enhance the safety of our community and we are deeply appreciative of the State Government’s support as well as the extensive work done by our local member Mr Jarrod Bleijie over a number of years.

The provision of funding for safety is a timely reminder for all drivers to adhere to speed limits on the grounds and in the surrounds of the College. We should all drive defensively, expecting a small child to pop out unexpectedly and follow the direction of staff on duty to ensure the safety of the people of our community. Parking should only occur in designated spaces as children, adults and students move through other spaces unprepared for traffic movement. We read regularly of accidents where small children are seriously harmed or worse by vehicles reversing.

We wish our PLC 2 netball team all the best for their grand final match next Monday night. As our Middle and Senior College students engage in important assessments next week, we wish them calm minds and clear thinking.

May God equip us to live our lives with the values He has taught us at our centre.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal

From the College Pastor

This is the way we do it!

A wise Christian teacher was once asked, “What are the most important words a child or teenager can say?”. His response was, “This is the way we do it in our house”. Now, it doesn’t seem like such an earth shattering statement but each phrase is very potent when it comes to boundaries within families.

If a child or young person is saying the phrase, ‘this is the way’, they are acknowledging that there is a pattern, a direction, a set of values that are lived out in their family. ‘The way’ is a pregnant Hebrew term used in the Old Testament to describe a path, a journey or a road. If a young person acknowledges that there is ‘a way’, they are distinguishing one path from another. They are being counter-cultural, pointing to the road they want to go down that is different from the road that their peers might take. ‘The way’ is also a term the early Christians used (Acts 24:14, 22) to distinguish themselves as people who followed Jesus who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. This is also the mission of our College, to point people to the one who is ‘the way’, while they are on their educational journey here at Pacific.

This is the way ‘we do it’. What an achievement to have a child, a teenager, or any person for that matter say ‘we’ not ‘me’. ‘We’ is important because it expresses community, family, teamwork and an awareness of the value of working together with others. This is the way we do it ‘in our house’. This statement too, acknowledges community but also ownership. A young person who is able to say ‘our house’ owns what goes on in their household. They have a stake in their home, they are part of it; there is a level of pride and engagement in their family.

Being a parent of children and teenagers means setting boundaries for your family. Raising children means showing them, in very tangible ways, how you want them to develop as healthy mature adults. For me this simple phrase, ‘this is the way we do it in our house’, sums up the family, community and spiritual values that are important in life. They are also the values that we pray our students engage in at Pacific.

Pastor Tim Jarick, College Pastor

From the Head of Senior Students

Community Connections

An important component in the development of students is inspiring them to adopt a sense of civic responsibility to the communities they live in (beyond the school context).

During May, the College has focused on supporting the Caloundra Salvation Army with the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal (held last weekend), holding a causal clothes day to raise additional funds and collecting non-perishable food donations. Thank you to the 167 students from the Middle and Senior College, parents and staff who assisted with the collection from the Pelican Waters and Wurtulla areas. We raised just under $7,000 and thank the community for your generosity and ongoing support.

External to the College, a number of Year 12 students also participated in the 'Relay for Life' charity event, which was strongly supported by some of our parents too. This was an initiative organised by a group of senior students on top of and external to the College's term focus of fundraising for the Salvation Army (as these students also collected for the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal). They are reported to have raised over $2,500 for cancer research.

Walking with young people to provide opportunities where they can volunteer their time to assist others is a pursuit that will benefit their personal growth and lifelong experiences immensely. It is great to see students take initiative and serve beyond the school context. Another service learning opportunity for Senior College students is the Cambodia trip at the end of this year. If you are in Year 10, 11 or 12 and interested in this service learning experience, please see Miss Michelle McMillan. To inspire your thinking, here is a reflection shared by College Captain, Emily Brewster about her experience on this trip in 2014.

Two weeks in a third world country: an opportunity like no other.

When I first signed up for Cambodia, I thought it would be a pretty amazing experience. But since going on the trip, it’s literally been life changing: so much so that on my gap year next year, I’m planning on volunteering in Cambodia.

While the trip is mostly about learning about Cambodia’s history and culture, which at times is quite breathtaking as it’s vastly different from Australia’s, there’s also plenty of other fun stuff to do. Not only did I learn about Cambodia by visiting temples and museums and going on boats, I also got to see elephants, an amazing sunrise over the famous Angkor Watt, experience my first tuk tuk ride, participate in a traditional Cambodian cooking class, learn to barter at the markets and enjoy an afternoon at a day spa.

My favourite part of the trip would have to be visiting multiple schools. At the schools, we played activities and games with the students. While at times there was a language barrier, this didn’t stop their smiles and laughter. The food in Cambodia was also very different. It’s not everyday that you get to eat deep friend tarantula and frog legs, is it?

Overall it was a very unique experience, where I learnt many things, formed stronger bonds with the girls on the trip and the teachers. So, if all the above sounds like something you would like to experience, I would highly recommend going on this year’s trip. If you want to find out more, I’m happy to answer any questions or talk to you about it!

Reminder for Student Drivers, Bike Riders and Pedestrians

If you are a student driver: please be mindful of the set speed limit requirements (as signed) in and around the College.

If you are a pedestrian or a driver: please be mindful of road regulations at pedestrian crossings. This includes drivers knowing when to stop and pedestrians making good choices about when and where to cross the road.

If you are a bike rider: please be mindful of the legal requirements to wear an Australian-Standard approved bicycle helmet that is securely fitted and fastened. For further information, please refer to the Queensland Government’s ‘Bicycle road rules and safety’ link: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/nonpowered/bicycle/.

We value the safety of the community and rely on all drivers, riders and pedestrians to make good choices: be vigilant, respectful and caring while adhering to the road rules and regulations at all times.

Pacific Lutheran Alumni

Are you a past student of Pacific Lutheran College? We are still interested in hearing from and connecting with past students for our upcoming Compass Review magazine. Thank you to the students who have already emailed me contributions. If you are able to contribute to this College publication, please email kstone@pacluth.qld.edu.au for more information.

We look forward to hearing from more Pacific Lutheran Alumni in the near future.

Miss Kim Stone, Head of Senior College Students

From the Head of Staff and Students P-5

Under Eights Day

The sense of community that exists at the College is a fundamental and important feature of Pacific’s education. Last Thursday, Under Eights Day was a great community event that celebrated the youngest members of the College. Thank you to the many K-2 parents and family members who joined in the fun of the day. Special thanks to Mrs Anne Phythian and all K-2 staff, including aides and student teachers, who put such an enormous amount of time and effort into making the morning so enjoyable and worthwhile. The students, parents and staff had a great time participating in the various activities, which were all designed to develop both gross and fine motor skills.

Year 3-7 Athletics Carnival

Next Tuesday, Year 3-7 students will compete in their annual Athletics Carnival, which will be held at the University of Sunshine Coast. Parents are most welcome to attend and support the competitors.

Year 4-6 SCISSA Gala Day

Next Thursday, all students in Years 4-6 will participate in the second SCISSA Gala Day of the year. Students will compete against teams from other independent schools in a round-robin format. Students have nominated to play particular sports, which will be staged at a variety of locations across the coast. Parents are most welcome at all events.

Prep - Year 2 Cross Country

This term, all students from Prep to Year 2 have been busily training for the Cross Country Carnival, which will be held on Wednesday 15th June from 9.00am. A letter providing further details of this event was sent home this week. All parents are warmly invited to attend and support their children’s participation in the event.

Eliminating "I Can't Do It" Thoughts

In order to combat this type of negative, pessimistic thinking, explain to your child that he/she has a choice in how to think about things that have happened and about the future. Explain that when something bad happens, such as getting a low grade at school, your child has a choice whether they think negative thoughts or positive thoughts.

Examples of negative “I Can’t Do It” thoughts: “No one likes me. I’m not good at anything. It’s all my fault. Things will never change. I’ll always be hopeless with friends/in my work”.

Examples of positive “I Can Do It” thoughts: “Next time things will be different. I know that if I do things differently and try harder, I am more likely to be successful next time”.

Explain to your child that an “I Can’t Do It” type of thinking leads him/her to feeling very down when bad things happen and can cause him/her to stop trying and withdraw.

Other suggestions for eliminating a child’s negative type of thinking include:

When your child is faced with difficult work, encourage them to think of the last time they were successful at doing something they didn't think they could do. Then, encourage your child to think: “I did it before, I can do it again”.

Evaluate your child’s progress based on what he/she has learned, rather than comparing them with other children.

Praise your child at those times when he/she continues working towards their goals or finishing work after experiencing difficulty or setbacks.

Before commencing a difficult task, remind your child to eliminate the “I Can’t Do It” thoughts and focus on developing a positive mindset of “I will probably be successful”.

Model the two types of thinking to your child. For example, “I have to learn more about how to use a computer. I can think: ‘I’m hopeless at doing these things and I’ll probably never learn’ or I can think: ‘If I try my best, I’ll probably be successful’”. You should discuss the different impact these two types of thinking will have on your feelings and motivation.

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5

From the Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Brainy Breakfasts - How breakfast can improve performance

Breakfast Science
‘Breakfast’ means just that: breaking the overnight fast. Eating breakfast restocks the energy stores that have been depleted overnight and fuels your body for the day. Going to work or sending your child to school without breakfast is like trying to use a cordless power tool without recharging the battery. If you don't refuel your child's body in the morning, the child has to draw fuel from their own energy stores until lunchtime. The stress hormones necessary to mobilise these energy reserves may leave the child feeling irritable, tired and unable to learn or behave well. If you want your child to rise and shine rather than limp along sluggishly at school all morning, make sure their day gets off to a nutritious start.

Breakfast Research
If your household has a hectic morning rush hour like mine, you may feel that you don't have time for a healthy breakfast. But consider what studies have shown:

Breakfast eaters are likely to achieve higher grades, pay closer attention, participate more in class discussions and manage more complex academic problems than those who skip breakfast.

Breakfast skippers are more likely to be inattentive, sluggish and achieve lower grades.

Breakfast skippers are more likely to show erratic eating patterns throughout the day, eat less nutritious foods and give into junk-food cravings. They may crave a mid-morning sugar fix because they can't make it all the way to lunchtime on an empty fuel tank.

Some children are more vulnerable to the effects of missing breakfast than others and the effects on behaviour and learning vary from child to child.

Whether children eat breakfast affects their learning, but so does what they eat. Children who eat a breakfast containing both complex carbohydrates and proteins in equivalent amounts of calories, tend to show better learning and performance than children who eat primarily a high protein or a high carbohydrate breakfast. Breakfasts high in carbohydrates with little protein seem to sedate children rather than stimulate their brain to learn.

Morning stress increases the levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream. This can affect behaviour and learning in two ways. First, stress hormones themselves can bother the brain. Secondly, stress hormones can increase carbohydrate cravings throughout the day. The food choices that result may affect behaviour and learning in children who are sensitive to the ups and downs of blood sugar levels. Try to send your child to school with a calm attitude, as well as a good breakfast.

Breakfast sets the pattern for nutritious eating throughout the rest of the day. When children miss breakfast to save time or to cut calories, they set themselves up for erratic binging and possibly overeating for the rest of the day.

Add a piece of fruit and a glass of low fat milk and your child will be ready to learn all morning long with no energy crash!

Mrs Sue Zweck, Head of Teaching and Learning K-5

Important Notices

Graduating Class of 2006

We invite Pacific Lutheran Alumni who graduated in 2006 to make contact with the College if you are interested in leading the organisation of your 10-year reunion event later this year. Please contact the Middle/Senior College Administration on (07) 5436 7315 or PLCSeniorCollege@pacluth.qld.edu.au. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

Food for Thought

Mindful Parenting

How to take the stress and anxiety out of raising children.

When parents become stressed their stress becomes contagious; children know when their parents are tense and overwhelmed. Data shows that the greatest source of childhood and adolescent stress is not schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or peer pressure, but parental stress. So, being a good parent means learning to manage your own stress.

OCEANfest

Click here to find out about some of the fabulous raffle prizes up for grabs on the night!

OCEANfest 2016 Committee

Tuckshop

Menu Revamp

Our menu revamp is under way!

Fruit Smoothies are flying out the door! They have been so popular we have decided to extend the sale. These will continue to be just $3 and available on Thursdays in June. Berry Crush is made with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, has no dairy, no gluten and is suitable for vegans. Mango is made with mango and pineapple and contains no gluten. Both flavours contain 75g of fruit in every serve, have no artificial flavours or colours and are 99% fat free.

There is limited stock available at this great price, so get in quick!

As previously advised, it’s time to say goodbye to Dino Snacks. In an effort to provide more healthy choices for our students, we have replaced the Friday Dino Snack choice with crumbed chicken tenders.

Chicken tenders will only be available on Fridays and can be purchased as a serving of two tenders for $3. We also have sweet and sour, sweet chilli, whole egg mayonnaise, tomato or barbecue sauce for 30c. Alternatively, you can purchase chicken tenders in a wrap or in a sub for $4.50 with lettuce and your choice of mayo or sauce.

Volunteers

We are always on the lookout for more helpers to make these changes possible. If you have a moment to spare, pop into the Tuckshop to see how it all runs. Maybe you’ll find a job that suits you! Everyone’s talents are very much appreciated.

Ms Carrie Dickson, Tuckshop Convenor

Library News

Premier's Reading Challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual statewide initiative for students up to Year 9. Over the past 11 years, more than 10 million books have been read and, in 2015 alone, more than 138,500 students and children participated in the challenge.

The challenge is not a competition but aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning. For a student to successfully complete the challenge, they must read or experience the allocated number of books for their year level during the reading period. Students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised by receiving a Certificate of Achievement signed by Queensland’s Premier.

Junior College

Emi Kubota (Emi Sensei) will be assisting in a range of Japanese classes from Prep to Year 12, until the end of the year.

Emi comes from Osaka. She is studying Media at university in Kyoto and has come to Australia to improve her English. Her hobbies include playing the piano, swimming and watching movies and anime.

Emi Sensei will host ‘Primary Culture Club’ every Wednesday for Year 2 students in the library from 1.10pm to 1.35pm. Students are to inform Bailey Sensei during class time if they will attend.

Mrs Jo Bailey (Bailey Sensei), Head of Primary Japanese

Careers Department

Medicine, Dentistry or Health Sciences

If you are planning on studying Medicine, Dentistry or some Health Sciences at University next year, the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) may be required. The due date to register is this Friday 3rd June (late submissions will be accepted up until 17th June but will incur an extra cost).

As at March 2016, the UMAT is needed at the following universities: UAdel, Charles Darwin University, Curtin University, Flinders University, La Trobe University, Monash University, UNE/Newcastle, UNSW, UQ, UTas, UWA, Western Sydney University, University of Auckland and the University of Otago NZ. It is no longer required for Bond University.

Secondary Sport

Netball Grand Finals

Congratulations to the PLC 2 netball team (coached by Ms Melissa Pietrala), who won their semi-final match this week to proceed through to the Sunshine Coast Schools Netball Grand Final! The girls have had an outstanding season and their semi-final match was very much a one-sided affair, with the girls taking the win easily.

The team will take on Mountain Creek State High School in the grand final on Monday night (the game time is yet to be advised). We wish the girls all the very best. Everyone is welcome to come along and support the team at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium.

Well done to all the girls who played throughout the season. We thank the coaches for their time, expertise and effort: Mrs Toni Fisher, Mrs Melissa Evans, Mrs Leigh Drogemuller, Ms Melissa Pietrala and Mrs Marnie Whittaker.

Volleyball News

Congratulations to all students who played in this year’s SCISSA volleyball season. This week, the final rounds of preliminary games were held. Pacific recorded some great wins in the Senior A Boys, Year 10 B Girls and Year 12 B Girls divisions. The 11/12 B Boys lost in a very tight match against St Andrew’s Anglican College, while the Year 11 B Girls and A Girls also lost in tough matches this week.

Next week there is a bye round due to exams, during which time the points table will be updated and we’ll see if any of our teams have made it through to grand finals. All players are asked to please return their jerseys to Mrs Natalie Campbell by the end of the term.

Thank you to Mrs Debbie Turner, Mrs Michi Hauser, Mr Ben Dutton, Mr Bradyen Moor, Mr Mitchel Turner and Miss Kim Stone for coaching this term. Their help and time was very much appreciated. Well done to everyone.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

On Friday 10th June (Week 9), we will hold our first secondary school 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for the year. Details are as follows:

Friday 10th June (approx. 4.00pm – 6.30pm) in gymnasium.

Open to anyone in Years 8-12 from all abilities and skill levels.

Teams of 3 or 4 players (if you want a substitute). Teams can be mixed or segregated.

Players can design their own team uniform or just wear similar colours. Students are encouraged to be creative!

Entry is free.

Trophies for winning team in each division.

Team nominations are due by Wednesday 8th June.

For more information, please contact Mr Mark Hauser. It will be a great night for all involved!

Term 3 Basketball and Touch

Next term is the start of the basketball and touch seasons. All players who will represent the College have been given consent forms and information letters. All consent forms should be returned to Mrs Natalie Campbell in her office as soon as possible, if they haven't been already. Players will be able to collect their uniforms once teams have been finalised.

Please note that students who commit to playing for the College will be required to attend ALL training sessions and games throughout the season. If, for any reason, a student cannot attend training or games, they must contact their coach as early as possible. Students will only be allowed to wear PLC uniform (including socks) to matches. No casual clothes are to be worn at any time.

Church News

St Mark's Lutheran Church Caloundra

Pastor Ray Morris, St Mark’s Lutheran Church Caloundra

General Notices

Entertainment Books

Pacific Lutheran College is fundraising with Entertainment™ again this year. The NEW 2016 | 2017 Entertainment™ Book and Digital Memberships are available now and are packed with thousands of up to 50% OFF and 2-for-1 offers. From every Membership we sell, 20% of the proceeds go towards our fundraising for Pacific Lutheran Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre! Click here to order your book or digital membership: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/230p536.